Nigeria’s aviation regulatory agency, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has urged a high level of vigilance by all operating airlines, especially those operating regional and international flights into the country.
The call to vigilance was contained in a circular signed by the Director-General of NCAA, Captain Muhtar Usman with ref no. NCAA/DG/AMS/Vol.1/196, dated 11th May, 2018, dispatched to all operating airlines.
According to the spokesperson of NCAA, Sam Adurogboye in a statement on Tuesday, all airlines were informed of the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo on 8th May 2018.
He noted that though no case has been confirmed in Nigeria, the NCAA in conjunction with the Federal Ministry of Health and all other relevant agencies have been taken concerted steps to ensure the virus does not creep into the country.
Therefore to forestall the EVD infiltration, the Regulatory Authority has therefore directed all airlines to carry out these measures in the interim.
It said: “Pilots-in-Command of an aircraft are to report to Air Traffic Control (ATC) any suspected case of communicable disease on-board their flight in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.22.4.
“In case of any suspected case of communicable disease on board an aircraft, aircrew are to fill the General Declaration (Gen Dec) and Public Health Passenger Locator forms in line with Nig.CARs 18.8.17.4 and 18.8.22.5 respectively.
“Completed General Declaration and Public Health Passenger Locator forms are to be submitted to the Port Health Services (PHS) of the destination Aerodrome.
“Airlines are to ensure they have on-board valid and appropriate number of First aid kits, Universal Precaution kits and Emergency Medical kits in line with Nig. CARs 7.9.1.12.
“Airlines are to refresh the knowledge of their crew members in the handling and communicating with ATC of any suspected case of communicable disease on board.
“Airlines are to contact Port Health Services for clearance before importing human remains into the country.
“Airlines are to report to the Authority in writing of any suspected case of communicable disease in flight.”
The statement said NCAA will continue to collaborate with all relevant agencies to ensure that the Public Health Emergency Contingency Plan (PHECP) developed for the guidance of aviation stakeholders are adhered to.
This the agency said will prevent the importation of any communicable disease into the country through our air borders (Airports).